DEPUTY Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez has joined Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in supporting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s ₱29 Rice Program, which aims to provide affordable rice to Filipino families amid rising global food prices.
“This program is essential to help our fellow Filipinos, especially during these challenging times. It shows the administration’s dedication to ensuring every family has access to affordable and nutritious food,” said Suarez, who represents the second district of Quezon province in Congress.
Romualdez, dubbed as “Mr. Rice” for his nationwide rice distribution efforts to reduce the staple’s cost, had earlier hailed the ₱29 Rice Program as a testament to President Marcos’ commitment to tackling inflation and enhancing food security.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House said that “offering rice at ₱29 per kilo to our most vulnerable citizens is a vital step in reducing hunger and improving the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.”
The program, which launched its trial on Friday, operates in 10 locations across Metro Manila and Bulacan. It offers rice at ₱29 per kilogram to vulnerable groups, including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and solo parents.
Beneficiaries can purchase subsidized rice every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a limit of 10 kilos per household each month. Each trial site is expected to support around 60,000 households monthly.
According to Suarez, the ₱29 Rice Program is a game-changer for the agricultural sector.
“This noble initiative not only helps families put food on the table but also supports our local farmers by increasing demand for their produce,” Suarez said.
Suarez also welcomed the Speaker’s assurance of continued government support for local farmers, citing the availability of around ₱22 billion under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
“Our farmers are the backbone of our food supply. Ensuring they have the support and resources they need is crucial,” Suarez said.
“The RCEF provides much-needed assistance to boost productivity and sustainability,” he added.
